Meta-owned Instagram has now added a couple of new features for users to enjoy. First, let’s talk about the repost feature: users can now repost public Reels and feed posts, similar to how it’s done on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where you can use the share button to add content to your profile.
This new feature will certainly benefit the original creator, as the post shared by a user will be recommended to their followers as well. To repost a Reel or a post, simply click on the repost icon. You can also add notes, which will appear as a thought bubble.
The second feature is something new; rather, you can now share your last active location with your friends.
The feature offers enhanced connectivity, allowing you to view posts and stories from friends and favorite creators at interesting or fun locations. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Location Sharing: Users can opt into location sharing, which is off by default. You can share your location with:
- Friends (followers you follow back)
Close Friends
Only selected friends
No one - Customization Controls: You have control over who sees your location and can exclude specific places or people from being shared. Location is updated when you open or return to the app, but can be turned off anytime.
- Parent Supervision: Parents with supervision set up for their teens will receive notifications if their teen starts sharing their location, enabling conversations about safe sharing. Parents can control whether their teen has access to location sharing and who their teen shares it with.
- Exploring Content: You can use the map to discover content shared by friends or creators based on their locations. This includes Reels, posts, and stories tagged with locations, available for 24 hours. Additionally, notes from people you mutually follow can also be viewed on the map for up to 24 hours.
The map feature is located at the top of your DM inbox and is initially rolling out in the US, with global availability expected soon.
Friends Tab
Instagram is introducing a new Friends tab that will display public content your friends have interacted with, recommendations from Blends you’ve started, and provide an easy way to start conversations about the content. This feature lets users see which Reels their friends are creating and engaging with.
To access the Friends tab, simply tap the “Friends” tab at the top of the Reels section. If you prefer to return to your usual Reels feed, tap the “Reels” tab. Instagram is also rolling out additional controls for the Friends tab, allowing users to hide their own likes and comments on Reels, and mute activity bubbles from specific people they follow.
This feature, which began rolling out earlier this year, is now available globally.
